Guess who came to town after Seniang
Notwithstanding any political undertones, and regardless of his own political or other agenda, the fact remains that Vice President Jejomar C. Binay came to Ronda and Dumanjug and other places, immediately after the Seniang devastation. And that meant so much to the Rondahanons and Dumanjuganons. He gave some help and material assistance. But what matters most was his presence, not just his presents. And, for sure, that would not be forgotten.
The president did not come. The senators did not come. Neither the DSWD nor the DILG secretaries came. Perhaps, Ronda and Dumanjug appear to some political leaders as too small to make any difference in any political strategy. But the impact and the far-reaching implications of the vice president's visit when the mud was still all over, when people were still lining up for water, when the candles for the typhoon fatalities were still lighted, all these little things do make a big difference. And in 2016, the people will remember who came and who did not.
The magic of Jojo Binay is that he looks so ordinary, so like a fisherman from Palanas, Ronda, a farmer from Langin, or a tricycle driver from Ilaya, Dumanjug. He can be lost in a small crowd of the ''hoi polloi,'' not so tall for the people to have to look up to, nor appearing so distinguished as to turn off the ''masa.'' He eats with his bare hands, and he does not tal k ''pa-English English.'' Very approachable and anyone can identify with him. That means something to the masses.
No matter how many cases are filed against him, he enjoys the presumption of innocence. He has not been convicted. It is very easy to accuse. If they have evidence, let them present it in the proper court. There are many people who have cases filed against them too. But they are not being demonized like how they try to put Binay down. Binay is no angel, but who is completely sinless among them? The people are not stupid. They may be poor but they know deep in their hearts who are fakes and who are genuine.
I do not know about you but I will always remember Jojo Binay as my fellow demonstrator in the seventies and eighties when all those who are in power now were in the safety of US asylum. I remember Binay as wounded and scarred in Mendiola, Roxas Boulevard and EDSA, together with Senators Tañada, Diokno, Rene Saguisag, and Butz Aquino. And now, I will remember Jojo for coming to my small towns of Ronda and Dumanjug when all else opted to enjoy their holidays. And mark my word, we will not forget that.
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